BBy Bikram Nath·Researched from UK Amazon listings·Updated 2026-10-17·6 products compared
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This guide contains Amazon affiliate links, and we may earn a commission — at no extra cost to you — but it never changes our rankings.
What are the best men's shorts to buy in the UK?
Our top pick for Men's Shorts in the UK is the Amazon Essentials Men's Classic Fit 9" (23cm) Chino Shorts.
The Amazon Essentials Classic Fit Chino Shorts suit buyers who want everyday cotton twill chinos with a stated 9" (22.9 cm) inseam, a zip fly and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification.
The Amazon Essentials Classic Fit 9" Chino Shorts are our top pick among men's shorts because the listing states garment-washed cotton twill, a 9" (22.9 cm) inseam on UK size 32W, a zip fly with button at waist and STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX certification. For walking, the Regatta Leesville III lists a durable water repellent finish, quick drying fabric and UPF 50+; for stretch chinos, the Lyle & Scott Course Stretch Chino Shorts list 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane.
This guide compares six men's shorts from Amazon Essentials, Regatta, Lyle & Scott, Craghoppers, APTRO and Urban Classics, using what each listing states: fabric, fit, waist, pockets, sun protection and inseam. Three listings state UPF 50+ (Regatta, Craghoppers and APTRO), and the Amazon Essentials is the only listing here that states an inseam.
Buying guide
What should you look for in Men's Shorts?
1Fabric: the Lyle & Scott lists 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane and the APTRO 94% polyester and 6% spandex; the Amazon Essentials is non-stretch cotton twill, the Urban Classics stretch twill and the Craghoppers Kiwi Pro III NosiDefence fabric with stretch. The Regatta listing names no fibre content in the features we read.
2Weather and sun: the Regatta lists a durable water repellent finish, quick drying and UPF 50+; the Craghoppers says it repels rain and water based stains and lists UPF 50+ sun-protection; the APTRO lists UPF 50+ and a splash proof finish. The Amazon Essentials, Lyle & Scott and Urban Classics listings do not mention UPF in the features we read.
3Waist and closure: the Regatta has a part elasticated waist, the Urban Classics an elasticated waistband with diagonal striped drawstring and the APTRO an elastic waistband with a zipper and button fly. The Amazon Essentials lists a zip fly with button at waist and says it sits at the waist.
4Pockets: the APTRO lists 5 zippered pockets (2 slash, 2 flat and 1 back); the Urban Classics side, back and thigh cargo pockets with flap and velcro closure; the Amazon Essentials front slant pockets and button-through back welt pockets. The Regatta, Lyle & Scott and Craghoppers listings name no pockets in the features we read.
5Fit and length: the Amazon Essentials is a classic fit, roomy through hip and thigh with a straight leg, and the Lyle & Scott a regular fit chino. The Regatta, Craghoppers, APTRO and Urban Classics listings state no fit type or inseam in the features we read.
Our process
How do we choose our picks?
We don’t lab-test products ourselves. Instead we synthesise current Amazon UK listings and published specs into clear, honest recommendations. We earn a commission if you buy through our links, but that never changes which products we rank.
Current UK availability
We check each pick against live Amazon UK catalogue data rather than last year’s model lists. Stock moves fast, so a listing can sell out after we publish.
Published specs
We compare manufacturer specifications so each pick is right for a real budget and use-case.
UK-specific fit
We factor in UK voltage and plug/fitting standards — details that generic global lists miss.
Front slant pockets, button-through back welt pockets
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—
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5 zippered pockets: 2 slash, 2 flat, 1 back
Side, back and thigh cargo pockets with flap and velcro closure
Waist
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Part elasticated waist
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Elastic waistband
Elasticated waistband with diagonal striped drawstring
Sun Protection
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UV Protection fabric (UPF) 50+
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UPF 50+ sun-protection
UPF 50+
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Finish
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Durable water repellent finish, quick drying, crease resistant
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Repels rain and water based stains
Splash proof finish
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The rankings
The best Men's Shorts, ranked
1
Amazon Essentials
Top Pick
Amazon Essentials Men's Classic Fit 9" (23cm) Chino Shorts
The Amazon Essentials Classic Fit Chino Shorts suit buyers who want everyday cotton twill chinos with a stated 9" (22.9 cm) inseam, a zip fly and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification.
Fabric
Cotton twill, garment-washed, non-stretch
Fit
Classic fit, roomy through hip and thigh, straight leg
Inseam
9" (22.9 cm) on UK size 32W
Pockets
Front slant pockets, button-through back welt pockets
Closure
Zip fly with button at waist
Certification
STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX
What we like
+Gently structured cotton twill with a garment wash, per the listing
+States a 9" (22.9 cm) inseam on UK size 32W
+Front slant pockets and button-through back welt pockets
+Certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX, per the listing
Worth noting
–The fabric is non-stretch, per the listing
–The listing states no UPF rating or warranty term
£16.30Amazon.co.uk price as of 17 Oct, 19:00 (London time). Details
The Lyle & Scott Course Stretch Chino Shorts suit buyers who want a regular fit chino with a stated 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane stretch fabric for the course or casual wear.
Fabric
98% Cotton, 2% Elastane
Fit
Regular fit chino silhouette
Stretch
Cotton-rich stretch fabric (per listing)
Use
On and off the course, travel and casual use (per listing)
What we like
+States 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane
+Cotton-rich stretch fabric that the listing says gives swing-friendly mobility
+Regular fit chino silhouette
Worth noting
–The listing states no inseam or pockets
–The listing states no UPF rating or warranty term
£39.99£65.00−38%Amazon.co.uk price as of 17 Oct, 19:00 (London time). Details
The Craghoppers Kiwi Pro III suits hikers who want shorts with stated UPF 50+, a rain-repelling finish and NosiDefence fabric, though its listing names no pockets.
Fabric
NosiDefence fabric, stretch
Sun Protection
UPF 50+ sun-protection
Finish
Repels rain and water based stains
In The Box
Sunglasses wipe
What we like
+UPF 50+ sun-protection, per the listing
+Repels rain and water based stains
+Craghoppers says the NosiDefence fabric helps create a barrier to biting insects
+Stretch fabric and a sunglasses wipe included
Worth noting
–The listing names no pockets in the features we read
–The listing states no fit, inseam or warranty term
APTRO Mens Cargo Hiking Shorts with 5 Zipper Pockets
The APTRO Cargo Hiking Shorts suit buyers who want secure storage outdoors, with 5 zippered pockets, a stated 94% polyester and 6% spandex fabric and UPF 50+ on the listing.
Fabric
94% polyester, 6% spandex
Waist
Elastic waistband
Pockets
5 zippered pockets: 2 slash, 2 flat, 1 back
Sun Protection
UPF 50+
Closure
Zipper and button fly
Finish
Splash proof finish
What we like
+States 94% polyester and 6% spandex, described as lightweight, quick-drying and breathable
+5 zippered pockets: 2 slash, 2 flat and 1 back
+UPF 50+ protection and a splash proof finish, per the listing
+Zipper and button fly with an elastic waistband
Worth noting
–The listing states no inseam
–The listing states no warranty term
£18.69£22.99−19%Amazon.co.uk price as of 17 Oct, 19:00 (London time). Details
The Urban Classics Drawstring Cargo Shorts suit buyers who want stretch twill cargo shorts with a drawstring waist and flapped thigh pockets, as the listing states.
Fabric
Stretch twill
Waist
Elasticated waistband with diagonal striped drawstring
Pockets
Side, back and thigh cargo pockets with flap and velcro closure
Style
Cargo shorts
What we like
+Made from stretch twill, per the listing
+Elasticated waistband with a diagonal striped drawstring
+Side pockets, back pockets and cargo pockets on the thighs with flap and velcro closure
Worth noting
–The listing states no fibre percentages
–The listing states no fit, inseam or warranty term
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 17 Oct, 19:00 (London time) and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Editor's Note
Two of these listings give fibre percentages (Lyle & Scott and APTRO), and the Amazon Essentials is the only one that gives an inseam, so leg length cannot be compared across the cards. None of the six listings states a warranty term in the features we read.
Our Take
The Amazon Essentials Classic Fit 9" Chino Shorts are the default pick for their stated cotton twill, 9" (22.9 cm) inseam and OEKO-TEX certification. Choose the Regatta Leesville III or Craghoppers Kiwi Pro III for walking with UPF 50+, or the APTRO for 5 zippered pockets.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
Which men's shorts have UPF 50+ sun protection?
The Regatta Mens Leesville III, Craghoppers Kiwi Pro III and APTRO Cargo Hiking Shorts listings each state UPF 50+. The Amazon Essentials, Lyle & Scott and Urban Classics listings do not mention UPF.
Which men's shorts are water repellent?
The Regatta Mens Leesville III lists a durable water repellent finish, and the Craghoppers Kiwi Pro III says it repels rain and water based stains. The APTRO Cargo Hiking Shorts list a splash proof finish for light rain or splashes.
What inseam do men's chino shorts have?
The Amazon Essentials Classic Fit 9" Chino Shorts list a 9" (22.9 cm) inseam on UK size 32W. The Lyle & Scott Course Stretch Chino Shorts listing states no inseam.
Which men's shorts have stretch?
The Lyle & Scott Course Stretch Chino Shorts list 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane, and the APTRO Cargo Hiking Shorts list 94% polyester and 6% spandex. The Urban Classics Cargo Shorts are made from stretch twill and the Craghoppers Kiwi Pro III lists stretch; the Amazon Essentials says non-stretch.
Which men's shorts have zipped pockets?
The APTRO Cargo Hiking Shorts list 5 zippered pockets: 2 slash pockets, 2 flat pockets and 1 back pocket.
Are any men's shorts OEKO-TEX certified?
The Amazon Essentials Classic Fit 9" Chino Shorts listing says they are certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. UKPicks earns a small commission from qualifying purchases made via links on this page. This does not affect our editorial recommendations or the price you pay.
